The success of Maryland’s state-based exchange is dependent on guaranteeing consumers access to qualified plans through traditional routes of commerce as well as through the new online marketplace created by Maryland Health Connection. Producers are essential participants in Maryland’s health insurance marketplace and will continue to play a prominent role in the market as Maryland Health Connection launches in October 2013.

As Maryland moves forward with implementation of Maryland Health Connection, producers will provide expertise on how the exchange can be built and leverage strengths of existing marketing channels. To this end, the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHBE) will be establishing itsProducer Advisory Council as a forum for stakeholders to provide input on areas that impact engagement with the state-based exchange.

The Producer Advisory Councilwill identify and develop best practices as the MHBE develops policies, procedures, communication strategies and marketing tools for producers. Additionally, the MHBE will also use the Producer Advisory Council to identify ways to engage producers and understand new developments in Maryland’s market conditions.

The MHBE will make council selections and notify successful candidates by February 1, 2013. A kick-off meeting will be held during the week of February 11th. All meetings will be open to the public.